At 74, Pak Habib Still Gets Hearts Pumping With Free Aerobics Classes
JOHOR BAHRU, July 6 (Bernama) -- While many his age prefer a quiet morning at home, 74-year-old Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Jaafar, fondly known as Pak Habib, can be found leading energetic aerobics sessions, music booming and smiles all around, at Taman Merdeka here.
A familiar figure to regulars at the park, Pak Habib teaches free aerobics classes from Thursday to Sunday, starting as early as 8am, drawing a loyal following from people of all ages and backgrounds.
Armed with a playlist of over 2,000 songs from various genres, he blends fitness with fun—mixing in everything from silat and Tai Chi to yoga, dangdut and zapin, to keep things lively.
'People won't get bored if we mix it up. At the same time, I also give motivational talks and fitness tips during class,' said the former Telekom Malaysia technician, who also holds a Diploma in Sports Science from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
His workouts are light and accessible, focusing on balance, blood circulation, muscle flexibility and breathing, making them suitable for all ages.
Pak Habib's journey into aerobics began in the 1990s when a friend was searching for a male instructor.
'Back then, aerobics was usually taught by women, so I initially declined. But with a bit of encouragement and some sports knowledge, I gave it a shot — and here I am, still needed by the community even as age catches up,' he shared.
Despite many urging him to slow down, Pak Habib remains steadfast in his belief that age should never be an excuse to stop moving.
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